In this post, we’ve selected 10 of the best public libraries in Illinois and featured them below.
1. Brainerd Branch
The Brainerd Branch opened to the library in February of 1999. This branch features artwork by Chicago artists.
The Brainerd Branch is the source of a variety of educational and entertainment materials for the Chicago community. There is also an online catalog and downloadable books for patrons to explore. The branch creates a number of educational programs and hosts events for patrons to attend. Researchers can access historical collections, such as access to archival collections. There are a kids’ section of the library that hosts programs such as Storytime. The branch offers public access to Wi-Fi and computers.
Reach out to the library if you have any questions.
2. Gwendolyn Brooks Building – Illinois State Library
The Gwendolyn Brooks Building is the building name of the Illinois State Library. It opened in June of 2003 and is named in honor of Gwendolyn Brooks, who was a poet and novelist. The library’s history spans over 100 years, started by a Stephen A. Douglas, a former Secretary of State for Illinois.
The library’s online catalog for people to view what is in circulation. The library has meeting rooms available for free for nonprofit and government organizations. Patrons have access to Wi-Fi and public computers. The library offers adult literacy programs, which help a person to develop reading skills and English proficiency. The library also offers services for the vision impaired. People can stay up to date on the library’s programs with their event calendar. Before heading to the library, people can check out their online catalog to see what books the library has in circulation.
Contact the library if you want to know more.
3. Jefferson Park
The Jefferson Park branch serves four major neighborhoods in the Chicago area – Jefferson Park, Forest Glen, Norwood Park, Portage Park. It opened in 1970. The area is named after former President Thomas Jefferson.
Patrons can reserve computers to use, which are available from when the library opens until about half an hour before it closes. Printer services are available at a cost but Wi-Fi is free. The library also offers meeting rooms, which must be reserved at least three days in advance. Students and researchers can also use study rooms if they need to. There are online resources that feature Chicago Publications and more. If patrons want to listen to music or watch movies, there are streaming resources available for anyone who has a library card to access. Youth can access homework help every day at no additional cost.
Reach out to the library if you have any questions.
4. Belleville Public Library
The Belleville Library roots trace as far back as 1836 and was located in a private home. The library became a public library in 1884. The building’s current location was opened in 1916.
The library has an online catalog for people to view what is in circulation. The library hosts a number of collections for researchers and history lovers to view. People can stay up to date on the library’s programs with their event calendar. The library has a number of Youth Programs, like reading challenges to encourage literacy skills. There is also a Book Club for adults to participate in.
You can find the library’s contact information on the side of their department page.
5. Albany Park Branch
The Albany Park Branch is part of the Chicago Public Library System. It opened in 1963 and re-opened in 2014 after a round of renovations. The library highlights its diverse population, made up of Koreans, Guatemalans, and Mexicans.
The library has meeting spaces available to reserve. People can also check out the library’s catalog before heading out. The library also has a kids’ section that features events and online educational resources. There are also a variety of services for teens, including having the chance to serve on the Teen Advisory Group. There are also a number of programs and events for adults, which are updated on the library’s calendar.
Contact the library if you have any questions.
6. John Mosser Public Library District
The John Mosser Public Library District is located in Abingdon, Illinois. The first library in the city opened in 1885. The current building is named after John Mosser, who helped fund the construction of the library’s building in 1913.
The library has computers available for the public to use, although there is a limit of one hour. People can stay up to date on the library’s programs with their event calendar. There’s a virtual library for patrons to access outside of library hours. The library offers Storytime and Story Hours for kids, in addition to other reading programs.
Contact the library for more information.
7. O’Fallon Public Library
The O’Fallon Public Library is the main library for O’Fallon, Illinois. The library states that patrons have saved an average of $400 by using library services.
Adults can take advantage of a number of services the library offers, such as digital skills classes and adult summer reading challenges. The library offers homebound services for patrons who cannot make it to the library. There is also a virtual library available via their online website. There is also an updated online calendar that lists entertainment and educational programs. The library also lists resources for community members, such as child care assistance programs.
Reach out to the library if you have questions.
8. Lansing Public Library
The Lansing Public Library has been a great educational and entertainment resource for Lansing residents.
There are dedicated Youth and Teen sections in the library. There are also a number of programs and events for adults, which are updated on the library’s calendar. There’s also an IDEA lab for patrons to access. The library has an atrium for public events and study rooms. People can check out online databases for research purposes. The Lansing Historical Society partners with the library to educate patrons and preserve local history.
Contact the library for more information.
9. Champaign Public Library
The Champaign Public Library is consistently rated in the top 5% of public libraries in the U.S. The website states its mission is to “inspire, confirm, and connect” the community.
The library offers a number of educational and entertainment resources. There are also online educational materials for patrons to check out in their virtual library. People can view the library’s online catalog to see what books and materials are in circulation. The library also hosts a number of programs and events for the public to attend. The library also offers community resources, such as access to genealogical records. People can also use public computers and Wi-Fi.
You can find the library’s contact information here.
10. Geneva Public Library
The Geneva Public Library opened to the public in 1908. The library underwent its latest round of renovations in 1998.
There are public computers and free Wi-Fi access. The library’s online catalog is available for patrons to view. The library also hosts educational and entertaining events for patrons to attend. The library also lists historical resources. There are kids and teens programs. The library also has a 3D printer for patrons to use. There is a virtual library for patrons to access 24/7. People can also request help from the library to start a book club.
Contact the library for more information.